NZ soldiers honoured for bravery
Three New Zealand Army officers faced with widespread carnage after almost 30 rockets exploded at an Iraqi military camp have been recognised for their bravery to save lives of injured coalition soldiers.
Corporal Charles Munns has been awarded the Defence Meritorious Service Medal, and Corporal Jessica Healey-Render and Private Maddison Van Sitter have received a Chief of Defence Force Commendation for their fast response in the deadly rocket attack on the Taji Military Camp last March.
The camp came under indirect fire around 7.30pm on March 11 with nearly 30 rockets raining down on
over a square kilometre, resulting in mass casualties, large fires and unexploded devices strewn about.
Two Americans and a British medic died in the attack, and 17 were injured. All New Zealanders stationed at the campsite north of Baghdad escaped injury.
Munns, a section commander within the Quick Reaction Force of the Task Group in Iraq and part of the team responsible for maintaining the security of the camp, said he raced to a bunker making sure his section was safe, before venturing into the camp. The team come across casualties almost immediately. “We found three wounded soldiers, two in a rather bad way and the third had taken a lot of shrapnel and was in a lot of shock. We treated all three and had to begin CPR on one but eventually it was no use as his injuries were too much.”
Munns and his section spent the rest of the night clearing areas where power lines were sparking, buildings were burning and vehicles were leaking petrol. They also carefully marked out where unexploded rockets lay on the ground.
“At first you don’t think it’s real because you do so much training but within seconds you realise what is happening,” said Munns, who wanted to “do my very best” for the injured.
Auckland medic Healey-Render, one of the first responders to reach many critically injured casualties, described the terror and carnage.
“There were multiple traumatic injuries including shrapnel wounds. I’ll admit it was scary — you never think there will be a day when you are literally running for your life.”
The citation for her commendation said there was no doubt her actions saved the lives of critically injured casualties. “Her medical skills and decision-making demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism during a complex and challenging situation,” the citation read.
When the rocket fire stopped Van Sitter raced to one of the main incident sites. “In his actions after the rocket attack Private Van Sitter showed maturity and composure beyond his years, and demonstrated an exceptional level of professional skill as he carried out his duties in a traumatic situation,” his citation said.
Van Sitter said the experience was “quite intense”.
“It was far from what I’d ever expect to deal with but I’m just glad that we all were able to do what was needed under the circumstances.”